Youth Commissioners from All Progressives Congress, APC, controlled states have called for increased youth participation in the country’s political landscape to achieve comprehensive and sustainable development. The Commissioners made this appeal during their quarterly meeting in Owerri, Imo State, aimed at enhancing youth engagement for the party’s progress, particularly in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections.
The quarterly meeting, initiated by the Progressives Governor’s Forum, PGF, aimed to harmonize policies and foster collaboration among youths to achieve the party’s renewed Hope Agenda. In a communique issued after the meeting, the Commissioners commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his administration’s focus on youth development, describing it as a transformative framework for job creation, innovation, and youth inclusion in governance.
The Commissioners resolved to implement and align the President’s agenda in their respective states, creating sustainable opportunities for young Nigerians. Ambassador Blessing Fubara, a keynote speaker, emphasized the need for a new governance model anchored on reliable policies for youth development, moving beyond ceremonial programs and minor interventions. He advised establishing clear parameters for youth intervention programs to ensure government investments translate into genuine empowerment, job creation, and innovation.
Fubara also stressed the need for government to rebuild the architecture of youth interventions, focusing on verifiable impact rather than visibility. The Lagos State Commissioner for Youth, Mobolaji A. Ogunlende, noted that the meeting provided an opportunity for Commissioners to share ideas and propagate the welfare of youths under President Tinubu’s administration. He encouraged youths to shun restiveness and anti-social behaviors, advising them to seize leadership opportunities when offered.
The meeting resulted in the adoption of a plan to mobilize 12 million youth votes for the party and President Tinubu in the next general elections, highlighting the significance of youth participation in the country’s political process. The Commissioners’ call for increased youth inclusiveness and participation in politics is seen as a crucial step towards achieving sustainable development and promoting the welfare of young Nigerians.